Themes: The Consequences of Greed
Many characters in The Hobbit are driven by greed. The dwarves, most especially Thorin Oakenshield, are driven by their desire to reclaim their long-lost treasure. This leads to many foolhardy actions. As the narrator puts it,
When the heart of a dwarf, even the most respectable, is wakened by gold and by jewels, he grows suddenly bold, and he may become fierce.
Greed leads Thorin to refuse a truce with men and elves in exchange for a share of the treasure. This eventually leads to the Battle of the Five Armies. His greed also leads him to be so angry at Bilbo that he forswears his friendship with him.
Even Bilbo at one point is possessed by a greedy desire: though he is not as bewitched by the dragon’s hoard as the dwarves are, when he sees the hoard, “his heart was filled and pierced with enchantment and with the desire of the dwarves.”
Other races, however, display an even greater propensity for greed. The trolls whom the company comes upon eat anything that comes into their circle of firelight, regardless of who or what it is, and they have stolen many treasures from other races. The creature Gollum possessively guards the ring he calls his “birthday present.” When Bilbo steals it from him, Gollum is filled with despair, because his life is defined by his possession of the ring. Finally, Smaug is driven by his greedy possessiveness of his hoard of treasure. When the dwarves steal his treasure, he is so wrathful that he takes revenge by burning and destroying Lake Town. Smaug’s greed for those riches causes him no joy, even when he is left alone to it. This becomes clear when the narrator says that Smaug displays the sort of rage
only seen when rich folk that have more than they can enjoy suddenly lose something that they have long had but have never used before or wanted.
The Hobbit suggests that the deceptive power of greed lies in its ability to make the possessor feel he can become fulfilled by possession of more and more when in fact such possession is no source of joy. Greed makes the possessor believe he is in control of what he possesses, but in reality he is controlled—or possessed—by his possessions. Greed drags the possessor down a road of destruction and havoc.
Ultimately, The Hobbit shows that bravery, sacrifice, joy, and friendship are only possible when greed is put aside. When one no longer defines oneself through one’s possessions, when one is willing to let go of what one has gained, does one gain the true prize: a good and noble life, lived in simple dignity with friends.
Expert Q&A
Why does Bilbo refuse the treasure at the end of his adventure?
Bilbo refuses the full share of treasure offered to him at the end of his adventure because he foresees practical issues in transporting it back to the Shire without conflict and doesn't desire excess wealth. This reflects his lack of greed and contentment with his simple life. Ultimately, he accepts only a small portion of treasure, along with the ring he acquired from Gollum, demonstrating his modesty and wisdom.
What is the attitude toward material wealth in The Hobbit?
The attitude toward material wealth in The Hobbit is largely negative, portraying it as a corrupting force. While most characters, including the Dwarves and Smaug, are obsessed with treasure, Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf remain indifferent to riches, highlighting their wisdom and humility. Bilbo's contentment with his simple life contrasts with the destructive greed of others, such as Thorin, whose irrational actions over the Arkenstone lead to conflict. Tolkien suggests that extreme wealth corrupts all but the wisest.
How do the desires and greed of the dwarves and Smaug in The Hobbit compare and contrast?
In The Hobbit, what does Smaug's wealth symbolize?
Smaug's wealth in The Hobbit symbolizes greed and the irrational allure of material riches. While Smaug himself embodies greed, the treasure he hoards tempts others, leading to irrational behavior and conflict. It represents the choice between good and evil actions, reflecting the human tendency to be captivated by wealth despite its lack of inherent value. Thorin's dying renouncement of this irrationality highlights the importance of valuing genuine relationships over material wealth.
Why did the Elvenking suppress his anger towards Thorin to avoid a war for gold?
The Elvenking suppresses his anger towards Thorin to avoid war over gold due to the elves' nature, which favors diplomacy over conflict. Elves, valuing their long lives, are reluctant to engage in battles unless all peaceful options are exhausted. This diplomatic approach reflects their desire to remain apart from the strife of other races. However, when a goblin army appears, the elves join forces with dwarves and men in the Battle of the Five Armies.
What happens to a dwarf in The Hobbit when his heart is weakened by gold and jewels?
In The Hobbit, a dwarf's heart weakened by gold and jewels is exemplified by Thorin Oakenshield, who becomes consumed by greed upon gaining the treasure of the Lonely Mountain. This obsession blinds him to reason and justice, as he refuses to share the wealth, even with those like Bard who have legitimate claims. Thorin's greed leads him to make irrational decisions, prioritizing treasure over alliances, and transforms his heroic character into one that appears petty and selfish.
Bilbo's motivation for stealing the cup in The Hobbit
Bilbo's motivation for stealing the cup in The Hobbit is to prove his worth as a burglar to the dwarves and to gain their trust. His act of bravery also symbolizes his personal growth and courage, as he takes significant risks to help his companions and advance their quest.
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